After Thunderwing obtained the Chaos Matrix, it's wildly unpredictable effects summoned the Autobot hero Rodimus Convoy from another universe. In this time, Rodimus led the Autobots to victory against the evil Optimus Prime and his Decepticon warriors.

Using the power of the Chaos Matrix, and his own manipulative talents, Thunderwing persuaded Rodimus that this universe's Optimus Prime was as evil as his alternate universe counterpart, and Rodimus vowed to end his tyranny, and destroy Prime.

After their first encounter, Rodimus was surprised to hear Prime offering to talk, rather than fight, and despite his mistrust, Rodimus agreed. Now, Rodimus's forces have returned to Metroplex to convene, and wait for the next move.

At the same time, Thunderwing, on seeing Rodimus's willingness to talk first, and fight later, left his base along with the Quintesson magistrate Deliberata to journey to Metroplex and talk with Rodimus Convoy. Unknown to him though, there are some Decepticons who have learned his location, and are seeking to destroy him.

Sixswitch

2002-11-02, 09:41 PM

As the Transformers aboard Omega Supreme disembarked, the Autobot Guardian transformed into defence base mode, adding an extra level of protection to the already considerable firepower and hull of Metroplex.

Meanwhile, Rodimus Convoy had gone directly to Metroplex's command centre, he needed someone to talk to, and hopefully, he'd find it there, but first, there was the matter of business to take care of.

"Metroplex, activate your long range scanners, I don't want anyone getting within two miles of here without you knowing about it."
"At once, Rodimus," the city/robot replied."

***

Several miles from Metroplex, Scourge streaked forwards on an approximate intercept course with Thunderwing's ship, Mindwipe and Shockwave flying either side of him. Already, his scanners had picked up on his heading.
"He's going to the Autobot city Metroplex," Scourge told his companions.
"Primus knows what he hopes to accomplish there. No matter, we'll ambush him on his return."

Soon, the ruined shell of a small settlement came into view, and Scourge descended towards it.
"Come, we'll wait here," he told the others.

Blaster_86

2002-11-03, 04:00 AM

Sunstreaker walked through the halls of Metroplex looking around "Wonder where my room is.... Wonder were Ratchet is I need a wax job" Sunstreaker grinned looking around.
~~

Ratchet entered the medical lab looking around "My new working quarters it seems"

Sixswitch

2002-11-03, 11:16 AM

Rodimus looked up. He had been looking at a roster screen of curent and past Autobots.
"Metroplex. After the battle for Unicron, you picked up many deactivated Autobots, for storage and revival once things had settled down, correct?"
"That's right," Metroplex affirmed.
"One of these was Sky Lynx. He would prove a useful ally if he'd be willing to join me. Inform Ratchet to begin his revival immediately.
"OK Rodimus."

In Ratchet's workroom, a voice came through the loudspeaker system.
"Ratchet," Metroplex spoke.
"Rodimus would like you to try and revive Sky Lynx. His body is being held in Storage Bay 5."

autobot2002

2002-11-03, 06:47 PM

Just thenRodimus recived a radio transmission. It was Roadmaster and Warpath. ", Rodimus , Warpath and I could use a lift. Mind sendin some one to pick us up"

Sixswitch

2002-11-03, 07:29 PM

Rodimus glanced up sharply.
"Metroplex, triangulate the position of that signal."
"I'm working on it, Rodimus," the city replied.
"Got it. Two hundred miles from here, on vector 240."
"Right... Too far for a ground patrol to get there quickly."
"Agreed."

Rodimus turned to the monitor.

"Omega Supreme, please head to these coordinates, we have another Autobot to get picked up, a new robot, goes by the name of Roadmaster."
"Command, acknowledged. Will comply."

With fluid grace, Omega Supreme's perimeter track rolled in, and his vast defence base form condensed into his steller rocket form, which, in a cloud of smoke and flame, took off, flying towards the aforementioned coordinates.

As he rocketted through the air, Omega Supreme considered his position. Designed to defend Cybertron, and his Autobot allies, Rodimus's philosophy struck a chord with the peaceable Guardian. Now, he made a new oath. To never rest until peace was brought to Cybertron.

Flying low to the ground, he spotted what he assumed to be Roadmaster travelling along the highway below. Reversing his thrusters, he landed in front of him, his boarding ramp smoothly lowering as he landed.

"Rodimus Convoy ordered me to bring you to Metroplex," he said, curtly.

Lord Zarak

2002-11-03, 08:07 PM

After transforming and landing at the settlement, Shockwave spoke up:

"Your plan has one major flaw Scourge. It is illogical to the extreme. Surely it would be more prudent to confront Thunderwing before he has a chance to meet up with Convoy? If we eliminate the threat posed by Thunderwing, the overall threat will be greatly reduced"

Sixswitch

2002-11-03, 08:20 PM

Scourge smiled.
"What? And lose the oppurtunity for the Autobots to engage in a long and bloody civil war? Come now Shockwave, we all know that this alliance can't last, and this way, when it fails, the Autobots will be weakened."

autobot2002

2002-11-03, 10:37 PM

"Thanx for the timely arrival Omega." Roadmaster said. They both entered omega.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-04, 10:48 AM

Sixshot skulked around the Quintesson ship, never before had he been so bored in his entire life, with all this talking there had been no action, his only fun had been dismantling the poor maintenance droid that happened to wander his way...

"So, Thunderwing...What we gonna do with Galvatron?"

*******************

Skywarp continued flying back to the Quintesson ship

Sixswitch

2002-11-04, 10:59 AM

"Gratitude appreciated," Omega Supreme said in his usual monotone, as the access ramp closed, and the rocket ascended into the sky. Soon, Metroplex came into view, and the rocket swooped down, activated his retros and crunched down onto the surface of Cybertron. Once more, the access ramp opened.

Rodimus recieved the word that Roadmaster had arrived, and smiled, then, turning to the console again, he tapped a few buttons.

"Prowl, could you come to the command centre please?" he contacted the Tactical specialist.

Lord Zarak

2002-11-04, 01:42 PM

In reply to Scourge, Shockwave said:

"But what if Thunderwing gained enough power to overthrow Teratron, by help of the Chaos Matrix? Surely, if we eliminate him now the survival of the Decepticons is ensured?"

Redstreak

2002-11-04, 07:16 PM

Torque stood near Rodimus as though he were his bodyguard. He had stuck next to him ever since arriving, just remaining quiet as he often did. There was nothing new to say now, so he simply remained vigilant, watching the monitors.

Quick Switch

2002-11-04, 08:57 PM

Thunderwing looked up.

An energy signature...one from the spawn of Unicron.

"Sixshot, keep the door open for Skywarp and the others to enter. I'm off to go kill an irritant that should have been disposed of a long time ago."

Thunderwing left the ship and flew off toward his old base.

"Alert me via comm, Quintesson, one Convoy has time to meet."

Delibarat snorted.

"We are going to revive your mad leader, Sixshot. Only this time, we'll make certain he isn't insane."

****

Thunderwing streaked off toward his base...

****

Mindwipe transformed and landed.

"Your bickering solves nothing, Shockwave."

The bat turned suddenly.

"Thunder- Thunderwing's energy signature! He is coming...he is coming here! Scourge, he has detected us!"

Mindwipe wipe turned and snarled.

"Or, more specifically, he has detected you! One who was forged by Unicron has a more marked scent. You, my friend, may have doomed us all. Blah."

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-04, 09:37 PM

Prowl acknowledged the message from Rodimus Convoy and made his way to the command centre

**********************

Sixshot kept the bay doors open, as he watched Thunderwing tear off to his base, he saw Skywarp leading in the pack of Decepticons Thunderwing had sent to Metrotitan.

Reflector

2002-11-04, 11:49 PM

The recreation room. Every successful Cybertronian city-base in history has had one. It's a place where an Autobot can put his feet up, lean back, and relax. All sorts of entertainment can be found: games, whether virtual or hands-on, to be played; couches for rest; music being transmitted from one of the few remaining Cybertronian radio frequencies; and in later times, broadcasts from Earthen television. Everything an Autobot could want to wind down.

He paused for a moment, gazing at the tactical expert, and one of his chief Lieutenants in his own time.

"I need your help, old friend. The task before us is an enourmous one, and I can't spearhead it alone. Tomorrow, when I go and see Prime, I want you to come with me."

Lord Zarak

2002-11-05, 02:33 PM

"Logic again has proven its worth Scourge" said Shockwave in reply to Mindwipes shock revelation.
He transformed back into his Gun-mode in preparation for battle.
"Is it not logical that we prepare ourselves for combat now we, or as Mindwipe has correctly stated, you, Scourge, have been detected?"

Sixswitch

2002-11-05, 02:51 PM

"Quite," Scourge agreed.
"Take up positions for the battle. I'm going to give Thunderwing a welcome that he won't forget."

Transforming into fighter mode, Scourge shot up into the air. The wind whipping around his hull, and the thought of the upcoming battle gave him a feeling that he hadn't experienced in a long while. A deep exhiliration. He almost whooped with joy.

"Calm down Scourge," Fracas admonished.
"This is a life or death situation. You're confronting your nemesis, in a fight that you may be able to win..."

Instantly, Scourge's ice cool calmness returned, as he focused on the task in hand. He could sense the presence of Unicron now. The presence of Chaos, of the Matrix.

And then, on the horizon, and fast approaching, he saw Thunderwing shooting towards him. Soon now, very soon. He smiled as he realised that he was still within firing range of Shockwave and Mindwipe. Not that he intended to use them, but the thought was comforting none-the-less. He dropped towards the ground, and transformed into robot mode.

"I've come for you, Unicron!" he called menacingly to Thunderwing, his words punctured by blasts from his eye lasers.

Quick Switch

2002-11-05, 06:26 PM

Thunderwing approached his base.

"Ah, Scourge. I sensed your signature. I have long awaited this contest."

"I'm sure you have, Chaos Bringer. Ever since you first subjugated me, and made me your slave. But I am a slave no longer. Now, I am your nemisis."

Scourge advanced, refusing to be intimidated by the Godly aura surrounding Thunderwing.

The Hunter fired at the Chaos-bringer, twin lasers shooting from his eyes. The battle was joined.

Quick Switch

2002-11-05, 08:17 PM

Thunderwing batted away Scourge's eye beams with one hand, and dropped to the ground.

"Interesting," he remarked.

Then he charged.

Sixswitch

2002-11-05, 09:02 PM

"So, it's come down to this, has it?" Scourge said as he flipped away from Thunderwing's initial charge.

Landing in a crouched position, his gauntlets slid open, and tri-pointed battle claws emerged. Tiny red sparks could be seen flickering over them, and sometimes linking two prongs together as they crackled around the blades.

"That suits me fine."

The hunter sprang forwards towards his nemesis.

Quick Switch

2002-11-06, 01:19 PM

Thunderwing cracked his knuckles as he rushed toward Scourge.

"I'll crush you with my bare hands," he remarked cheerfully.

Sixswitch

2002-11-06, 01:54 PM

"I don't think so," Scourge growled. He was focused now. There was no hate, no anger, no doubts, no worries. There was only the fight, a fight that he had to win.

The dark warrior launched a series of lightning quick slashes with his claws at Thunderwing, hoping to end this quickly.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-06, 04:17 PM

Sixshot watched as Scourge engaged Thunderwing in battle...

"Hmph, everyone gets a piece of the action except me...."

As he turns another droid wanders past, Sixshot crouches, then spins quickly, kicking the head of droid clean off. As the body slumps to the ground infront of him, the head rolls back towards Sixshot's feet.

************

Skywarp lands aboard the Quintesson Shuttle and transforms.

"Good to see you're keeping yourself busy Sixshot!"

Skywarp quickly teleports away as the head of the droid flys through the air towards him.

"Deliberata, what's the condition of Galvatron?"

************

Prowl watched as Rodimus scanned over the reports...

"I'll come with you, Rodimus, what happened to make you hate Prime so much?"

Redstreak

2002-11-06, 05:01 PM

Torque looked at Prowl then back at Rodimus. He expected Convoy to take care with this explanation, lest it put Prowl's loyalty in doubt...for his part, he remained silent, not of a mind to say anything as yet.

Quick Switch

2002-11-06, 05:30 PM

Thunderwing saw all of Scourge's flashes in slow motion. That is to say, his senses were so heightened that even with a rapid-fire attack combination, the aristocrat could easily parry each one. Which he did.

After Scourge's last slashes, Thunderwing attempted to grab both of Scourge's arms- not his hands.

"This can be done easily, or with difficulty. You have two options- a quick death or a slow death. I will enjoy delivering either one to you."

****

Delibarata hurrumphed.

"Galvatron is in storage, and the operation cannot be performed on board. We will have to fly to one of the Quintesson planetoids which specializes in repair. He will be deactivated until the operation is performed."

I'm not taking them to New Quintessa, that's for certain.

Blaster_86

2002-11-06, 11:12 PM

Sunstreaker looked up as Prowl asked Convyo the question, depending the answer Sunstreaker may ealize he made a mistake and is following the wrong Prime or may be even more assured of his choice.

Sixswitch

2002-11-07, 07:00 PM

Thunderwing was fast, that was obvious. The Chaos Matrix imbued him with many advantages that augemented his own abilities. But Scourge was also forged in the furnaces of a God, and was ready to reply in kind.

"Perhaps, I will not be the one to die."

Twisting his arms up, Scourge used his opponent as leverage, and kicked off Thunderwing's chest, flipping out of the hold, while firing several quick bursts of laser fire at Thunderwing below.

Quick Switch

2002-11-07, 10:37 PM

Thunderwing let out a grunt as Scourge's blasts made full contact (the flip manuever had thrown Thunderwing off balance).

Steading himself after a second, Thunderwing laughed. Wiping the streaming coolant away from his optics, Thunderwing chuckled.

"Is that so? Never mind fate; such existential matters are beyond me. I have decreed that the power of the Chaox Matrix is mine to command. Eventually, the mantle of Decepticon Leader. And you can do nothing to stop it."

Thunderwing frowned, and pointed at the hovercraft.

"Your very existence speaks of degeneracy. Unicron, another entity, needed to rebuild you, Scourge- or should I say, Thundercracker- to achieve your level of power; if one could call it that."

Thunderwing crossed his arms; why rush this moment?

"Yes...and then Unicron had another encounter with you, and that is how you received your ludicrous color scheme I see before me now. Thundercracker, you disapoint me."

The Decepticon shook his head.

"Look you, commoner spawn- I am perfection; my frame and personality were constructed from the finest aristocratic families of Cybertronian history. I was great- am great- and will become greater still. You?"

Thunderwing steadily walked forward, hands out in a gesture of mock-brevity.

"You're washed up, as the humans say. Galvatron spurned you for his yesman in favor of Cyclonus; did that sting you? Or the fact that you botched your attempt at overthrowing Galvatron when you took in the Autobot Matrix? Or the fact that you commanded a squadron of idiots?...and the fact that every other Decepticon would prefer Thundercracker back alive, right now, instead of you?"

Thunderwing looked up, optics blazing.

"I might keep you alive; broken, but alive. I could use a slave. Everyone needs his own Thundercracker to toss out snide comments and doubt the very movement they fight for."

Suddenly, a flash of light-did the aristocrat teleport?-and Thunderwing floated next to Scourge, arms crossed smugly.

"But I just remembered. I already have a Thundercracker...an alternate universe one, it must be said, but that is no loss. I have no need for two."

Thunderwing smiled; his optics glowed, and with his mind began to crush the very lifeforce-some would call it a spark-of Scourge.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-07, 10:40 PM

It was a time of peace and tranquillity on Cybertron. The evil Optimus Prime had been destroyed many eaons ago, Cybertron had been re-built...a restored Golden Age to the planet that had seen more wars than any other plane of existence.

There was only one problem in this New Cybertron paradise...Rodimus Convoy had vanished, his close friend and personal bodyguard Grimlock had assumed a temporary command. Long since passed were the days that Grimlock searched for a battle.

They were no longer neccessary, the galaxies were at peace.

Then it happened, without warning...there was no storm, nothing. Cybertron was still the paradisical place it had always been, but the essence of Primus felt another of it's children torn away.

The planet wept and no-one heard...

Sixswitch

2002-11-07, 11:15 PM

"He's baiting you."
I know.

"You're all talk, no action," Scourge growled, plunging one of his gauntlets down towards Thunderwing's chest.

***

"A good question," Rodimus told Prowl.
"One that you all deserve an answer to," he finished, looking at Sunstreaker.

Many millions of years ago, there was peace on Cybertron. The war was over, and the Decepticons had started to live in peace. Then, bitter at the Decepticons, for their destruction, and consumed by hate, Prime became what he hated, joining with the Decepticons, and leading a band in war. Long did we struggle, until finally I killed him. I thought him deactivated, but now... He's back.

Quick Switch

2002-11-08, 12:52 AM

Thunderwing was caught off guard, and knocked back several feet.

The aristocrat's optics blazed.

"Prepare to die," he snarled, and rushed forward, arms extended.

Sixswitch

2002-11-08, 01:04 AM

"When at peace, move like water."

Scourge swayed to one side, causing Thunderwing to barrel past.

"When at war, strike like stone."

The Hunter lashed out, trying to catch Thunderwing on the back of his head as he passed.

Thunderwing gave out a cry of shock as Scourge's claw-or leg, Thunderwing of course couldn't be sure- impacted his braincase, causing him to recoil forward.

"Urgh," he grunted, clutching his shellhead.

Thunderwing tensed and untensed his arms, and gritted his teeth.

"I am possess the Chaos Matrix but I am not Unicron; the Planet's power is mine to command!"

Thunderwing, a sonorous voice boomed inside the aristocrat's head, causing Thunderwing to cry out in pain, destroy Scourge the Betrayer, or your sanity belongs to me.

"Never, never!" Thunderwing shouted. "The Creation Matrix twisted me to its will, I will not fall under your thrall! I am the Lord and Master now!"

Be that as it may, Unicron's essence filtered through the Decepticon's mind, did you think I would sunder all my power like that lunatic Galvatron, who also Betrayed me? Unicron then allowed a fragment of Galvatron's insanity-gained when Galvatron possessed the Chaos Matrix- to seep through.

Thunderwing screamed; equal parts horror and rage. Unicron left him then, retreating back into the Matrix, residual laughter remained for a few seconds.

"You know not with whom you deal, Thundercracker." Thunderwing flew forward, and raised his hands in a hammerblow, and brought them down toward Scourge's head.

Sixswitch

2002-11-08, 01:48 AM

Scourge again dodged, the thunderous blow crashing down on his shoulder, which crumpled and twisted beneath the weight of Thunderwing and Unicron's strength. Scourge's face twisted in pain, as he pushed Thunderwing aside with his other arm and jumped back.

"Don't falter. Fight him, fight it. Destroy the Chaos Bringer."

"No one can fight the power of Unicron Thunderwing. Once you allow his corruption to enter the very fibre of your being, you are his to command, to use, and to punish as he sees fit. No one Transformer can master Chaos, for by its very nature, Chaos has no structure, no chain of command. It is both General and Soldier, Puppet and Master, Driver and Driven. Only by being touched by Unicron can you understand this... Only now, will you begin to understand."

He crouched back in a ready position.

"You are a fool Thunderwing. I must kill you to kill the Chaos Bringer. Do not take it personally."

Quick Switch

2002-11-08, 03:08 AM

Thunderwing smirked as the hammerblow crumpled one of his shoulders. Loosening his hands after Scourge retreated, Thunderwing laughed.

"So you say, Thundercracker. But I have learned from my previous dealings with the Creation Matrix. Unicron merely came to the fore when you managed your sly attack. 'Tis nothing."

Thunderwing floated forward in Scourge's range again.

"You are wrong. Through the mastery of Chaos comes Order. A New Order. My Decepticon Empire, with which I will reshape the Universe. Noblesse oblige, fool, noblesse oblige. It is my duty and privelege to exterminate irritants such as yourself who would stand in the way of change."

His hands began to pulse with Chaos Energy.

"Let me grant you further understanding, then, of the depth of your idiocy in challenging me. Feel the Touch of Unicron, and despair!"

Thunderwing lunged forward, hands crackling at Scourge's torso.

Sixswitch

2002-11-08, 03:26 AM

"Feel the touch of Unicron, and despair

In that moment, Scourge realised just how much power Unicron could grant. He saw the Chaos Energy not as others might see it, not as a shimmering mass of red and black sparks, but as... nothing, and everything, an ever changing space, and in that moment, he realised that he could not prevail.

But he also realised that neither could Thunderwing. He knew that there was no way of controlling Chaos. Galvatron tried, and failed. Thunderwing wasn't likely to fare any better.

"Never," Scourge shot straight up into the air.
"Never will I succumb to you," he shouted down to the Chaos Bringer.

With that final cry of defiance on his lips, he plunged his gauntlet into his chest, and into contact with his spark. There was light, a flash, and then... Nothing.

A shimmering light emerged from the body of Scourge, pinpricks of energy... his spark, leaving his body to join the Decepticon Matrix.

Meanwhile, his body crashed down to Earth at the feet of the Chaos Bringer's avatar.

Quick Switch

2002-11-08, 03:39 AM

Thunderwing disapated the Chaos Energy from his hands silently, as he watched Scourge's suicide.

"Very well then," he smiled and floated to the ground. Thunderwing hefted Scourge's body onto one shoulder easily.

He then teleported over to Shockwave and Mindwipe.

"Note this, both of you," Thunderwing remarked. "Teratron's champion is dead. Tell your Lord that I wish to speak with him whenever the opportunity presents itself. And I'll take it on faith that this was not an assasination attempt."

Mindwipe gawked as he saw Scourge's body.

"Blah...yes, yes, of course. Shockwave, we must leave for Darkmount immediately! Lord Teratron and Commander Astrotrain must know of this!" Mindwipe transformed from robot to bat mode, and flapped his wings in preparation for flight.

Thunderwing simply laughed and waited for the two others to leave.

Lord Zarak

2002-11-08, 05:10 PM

Shockwave was startled by the outcome of the fight, yet it was strangly logical- Scourge was not powered by the Chaos Matrix, Thunderwing was, therefore, Thunderwing was most likely to win...still

"Thunderwing, why let yourself become infatuated all over again by a matrix? You have time and again spurned chances to rejoin your Decepticon brethren. Yet you still pursist in obsession overwhich you cannot control; it controls you, Thunderwing, never forget that. It will logically consume your will, and you, in your current state, will cease to exist."

Shockwave transformed from his gun mode to robot mode.

"I extend my hand to you. If you spurn the power of the Chaos Matrix, take it, and rejoin the Decepticons and retake your rightful place as one of the most powerful living Decepticons. If you spurn my hand, you spurn forever your heritage."

Quick Switch

2002-11-08, 05:53 PM

Thunderwing mused.

"Shockwave, once again your words are practical as they are depressingly stiff."

The aristocrat shook his head.

"I will not commit the same mistakes in the past. This so-called 'infatuation' as you name my affinity for the Matrices will lead me to ultimate victory; I harness a power the Autobots cannot hope to match."

He smiled.

"I will only 'join' the once-great faction if Teratron stands aside and gives me the mantle of Decepticon Leadership. Truly, then, will I be able to rally the Decepticons to conquest. But until that day? Never. Tell that message to your Lord, Shockwave."

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-08, 09:24 PM

"Prime....leading the Decepticons...that seems so implausible, and yet by recent actions, so starkly possible..."

Prowl sat down at a computer console and tapped away.

"So, where's the meet?"

Blaster_86

2002-11-08, 10:46 PM

Sunstreaker stood up shaking his head. He began to feel he made the wrong choice. This was a diffrent Prime not his Prime so why hate him Sunstreaker thought.

Also he wanted to kill Prime and he is saying Prime is the war mongerer. More I hear the more I think I am following the wrong Matrix Bearer Sunstreaker's mind continued to its self.
~~

Ratchet sat boredly in the med lab looking around for anything to do.

Lord Zarak

2002-11-08, 10:58 PM

Replying to Thunderwing's declaration, Shockwave said:
"It is with great regret that the once-great lineage of Decepticons begun by your ancestors shall end with you, Thunderwing."
Turning to Mindwipe, he said:
"Come now Mindwipe. Let us return to Metrotitan, I shall bear Scourges body, and present it to Teratron." With that, Shockwave took Scourges body in his hands, turned, and flew away from Thunderwing.

Redstreak

2002-11-09, 03:48 AM

Torque took in the explanation without moving a joint. But he could feel his energon run cold in his pipes as he listened to Rodimus explain things. It was a frightening concept to say the least, but there it was, nonetheless. It had happened.

When Prowl had inquired about the meet, he finally moved, standing next to the tactician. "I think an important point here would be what kind of backup you want, Rodimus. I don't expect Prime would go alone, so I don't think you should either."

Sixswitch

2002-11-09, 12:38 PM

Rodimus nodded.
"Good point, Torque. On the other hand, showing up with the whole force might not be a good idea either. The three of you are invited, for a start. Then we'll need transport - either the recently activated Sky Lynx, or Omega Supreme.

Who else would you recommend?" he asked the three bots currently in the room.

Blaster_86

2002-11-09, 05:10 PM

Sunstreaker shook his head "I think the only reason Optimus will have men there is because he doesn't trust you" He said looking right at Rodimus. "You are going off the Prime you knew, not our universes"

Sunstreaker looked at Prowl "You were one of his most faithful soldiers, so was I but we came to Rodimus promised peace but....." Sunstreaker looked at Rodimus.

"All he wants to do is fight Optimus because of something that happened in his Universe not ours" Sunstreaker looked at Torque "Even you have to know Thunderwing is bad stuff to mess with and Prime obviously had a reason to do so other then wanting him dead."

Reflector

2002-11-09, 05:37 PM

Scattershot stood against the frame of the doorway, his arms folded over his chest and one ankle over the other.

"Think about whatcher saying, Sunstreaker," he interjected. "This isn't the Rodimus we fought for years ago. Who's to say that he's the same Optimus? Lots of weird things have been going on lately, ya know."

He stepped away from the wall, his optics scanning the other Autobots in the room.

"Rodimus, I don't think it's wise to go in passively. I've just got a bad feeling about this meeting, like Optimus is planning something. He might try to capture you. On his turf, I wouldn't trust him too much. Let me bring my team, just in case."

Redstreak

2002-11-09, 05:44 PM

"I can't argue with more firepower," Torque says. "But I'd suggest you guys hang back to where they don't spot you if you do go. Count me in, Rodimus...I wouldn't miss this. I think Skylynx would be the best choice for vehicle...more subtle, more room available. Hell, the Technobots could wait inside him even."

Blaster_86

2002-11-09, 07:52 PM

Sunstreaker looked at Scattershot then at Rodimus
"And Prime is the one who wants war?" He asked rhetorically shaking his head.

Sunstreaker had made a mistake. Rodimus didn't promise peace just a war with his former.... and soon to be again leader. Sunstreaker walked past Scatter shot roughly bumping into his shoulder transforming and rolling out of Metroplex.
~~

Ratchet stood up and exited the medical bay of Metroplex beginning to walk through the walls of the large city.

Quick Switch

2002-11-09, 10:32 PM

Thunderwing laughed, teleported next to Shockwave and took Scourge's body.

"Scourge will not get off that simply," the aristocrat remarked.

Thunderwing ripped off Scourge's head, and placed it under one arm. He then ripped Scourge's wings from his body, and threw them to Mindwipe, who caught them in his teeth (still in bat mode).

Thunderwing than vaporized Scourge's body using pure Chaos Energy from his hands.

"I tire of your semantics Shockwave. Your are as boring now as you were then, and twice as arrogant. Begone, or I will have Mindwipe return your laser cannon to Teratron, and I add your head to my collection."

Mindwipe gritted his teeth, and spoke so as not to lose Scourge's wings.

"Blah, you talk to much."

Mindwipe laboriously lifted off for Metrotitan.

Lord Zarak

2002-11-10, 01:15 PM

"Logic dictates that our fued isn't over Thunderwing" said Shockwave to himself after he had disappeard with Scourges head.
Shockwave followed Mindwpe to Metrotitan.

Sixswitch

2002-11-10, 02:42 PM

Rodimus watched with dismay as Sunstreaker left, it seemed that not everyone saw his vision of peace. He reflected on Sunstreaker's words for a moment. The Autobot's blind faith in his leader was disturbing. He'd have to consider that when trying to rally troops to his cause.
He then looked at the other Autobots in the room.

"Good points, all of you. How about we who are present here go, inside of Sky Lynx. That'll give us a firm number of troops, without seeming too agressive, and Sky Lynx will be a valuable asset to us as well. What do you think?"

Reflector

2002-11-10, 04:22 PM

Scattershot glared after Sunstreaker.

You'll regret this, traitor.

He looked back to his leader, folded his arms again, and nodded confidently.

"You can count me in, Rodimus. I'll have my guys ready to roll out faster than you can say it."

Quick Switch

2002-11-10, 05:40 PM

Thunderwing appeared on the Quintesson ship, slowly circling Metroplex.

Sunstreaker would have smiled if if he wasn't transformed. Convoy was a fool and Prime needed to know, now about Convoy's plans for having back-up.

"OUTTA THE WAY TRUE AUTOBOT COMIN' THROUGH!" Sunstreakers fender collided with a leg immdeatly angering him "HEY WATCH IT BUDDY I JUST GOT THAT REPLACED!"
~~

Bluestreak faultered as Sunstreaker collided with his leg "WHOA!" He cried hearing Sunstreakers smart alleck remark. "So you joined Rodimus too eh?" He asked but Sunstreaker had long turned down a corridor. Bluestreak shrugged and turned to continue to walk down the hall. "Wonder why he was in such a hurry?"

Redstreak

2002-11-10, 06:13 PM

"You can count on me, bossman." Torque says to Rodimus. "I'll hail Skylynx and get him to wait outside for us."

He then does exactly that; "Skylynx, do you read, this is Torque in the main conference room. Your assistance is needed for an important mission, and we need you to meet us outside in ten minutes."

Sixswitch

2002-11-10, 06:14 PM

"Rodimus, there's a ship circling the city, has been doing so for the last ten minutes. I just detected a smaller craft, a Decepticon by the look of it docking or entering with the larger ship. Also, I'm detecting Sunstreaker leaving the city, probably en route to Iacon and back to Optimus Prime"

"Let him go. I will not force anyone to join me, it's his own decision to make. As for the Decepticon ship, go into passive defence mode, we must be cautious, despite going for peace."

He turned to Torque, Scattershot and Prowl.

"Here goes, the moment of truth."

He punched a few buttons on the console in front of him.

"Decepticon ship, state your identity and purpose."

Quick Switch

2002-11-10, 07:10 PM

Thunderwing replied.

"This is Lord Thunderwing, on the mission of peace. I wish to speak with your leader, the Good Rodimus Convoy."

Sixswitch

2002-11-10, 07:15 PM

Rodimus nodded.
"OK, I'll go and meet with him. Prowl, you're with me. Torque, you hold down the fort here. Keep things hot, just in case."

"Thunderwing, land your shuttle on our landing pad. I shall be out to speak with you shortly."

With that, the Seperatist leader turned and walked out of the room.

Redstreak

2002-11-10, 09:05 PM

Torque sat down at the console, and worked quickly, pushing a few buttons and lining up the outer guns to convenient, non-threatening positions. If needed, a quick reaction by him could get them in place and firing in under 5 seconds. Decepticons of any kind were not to be trusted, regardless of alleged peace messages. They weren't called 'Decepticons' for nothing, after all...

Quick Switch

2002-11-11, 01:14 PM

Thunderwing replied:

"Very well," and signaled to the Quintesson to direct his ship toward the landing pad, which he did so.

Delibarata opened the main access hatch, and Thunderwing strode out, confident, waiting for Rodimus Convoy to meet him.

Lord Zarak

2002-11-11, 05:11 PM

"On my way Torque" replied Sky Lynx. "Whats the job?" he asked.

Redstreak

2002-11-11, 06:16 PM

"Transport," Torque replies. "We're to rendezvous with Optimus Prime to discuss our situations shortly. Right now, Thunderwing has arrived, so when you approach, be mindful."

*****

Elsewhere, Top Dollar's ship headed on course for Cybertron, and the assassin's advance sensors indicated no defense patrols at the outer perimeters, a curious sight to say the least.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-11, 09:23 PM

Prowl followed Rodimus Convoy from the room.

"A meeting with Thunderwing? You do know who he is don't you?"

****************

"Thunderwing, might I be as so bold to accompany you to the surface of Cybertron....obviously I understand you don't need it, but all the same..."

Sixshot was evidently anxious to see some action, he was still toying with the head of the passing droid..

Quick Switch

2002-11-11, 09:46 PM

Thunderwing glanced behind him.

"Of course, Sixshot. Come along and help tell the Autobots how peaceful we are." He chuckled.

"And me?" Delibarata asked.

"Dirge will stay with you and monitor the situation from the ship, Quintesson," Thunderwing replied.

Dirge nodded, fine with the decision.

"Very well," Delibarata answered. "I must transmit a report to New Quintessa at any rate."

Sixswitch

2002-11-11, 10:14 PM

Rodimus nodded to Prowl.
"Yes, I know. But if peace is to work, we must take the important first step. We shall see how it goes."

The pair walked out onto the landing pad, and saw the shuttle landing, and Thunderwing and Sixshot emerge. Rodimus walked up to the pair.

"Thunderwing, greetings once more. You wish to discuss something with me?" he asked cautiously.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-11, 11:12 PM

Prowl and Sixshot glared at each other, they had both had a checkered past, neither had crossed the other, but knew of the other's prowess.

Redstreak

2002-11-12, 12:17 AM

Torque watched the display intently, his finger itching at the trigger. Despite a bit of anxiety, he was calm enough to be restrained. Thunderwing would have to make the first move; he would not fire without provocation.

Quick Switch

2002-11-12, 12:18 AM

Thunderwing placed a hand on the Autobot's shoulder.

"Indeed I do, Good Rodimus. Matters of urgent import- the future of your leadership potential with the ungrateful Autobots needs to be cemented. If we could discuss these affairs in prive, perhaps?"

Sixswitch

2002-11-12, 12:33 AM

Rodimus glanced at Prowl, then looked back at Thunderwing, then nodded tersely.
"Prowl, watch our guests... And try and keep the peace with Sixshot if you can," he grinned, before nodding to Thunderwing.

"Very well, come, we can talk in my private quarters."

He turned, and made his way back into Metroplex proper.

Quick Switch

2002-11-12, 12:46 AM

Thunderwing ignored the other Autobots and followed Rodimus inside Metroplex.

****

Dirge peered out the viewport.

"Well, we haven't gotten into a shooting match yet," the Seeker muttered.

"We have nothing to fear," Delibarata replied, activating the frequency to New Quintessa and waited for the comm screen to come online.

Sixswitch

2002-11-12, 01:50 AM

As soon as the door slid shut behind them, Rodimus walked over to the window, and glanced outside, then looked back into the room.

"I'm meeting with Optimus Prime tomorrow at Iacon. A forum to hopefully solve our differences, although I'm doubtful of its value. I've already sent a clear message to Prime, by saving your hide, back at your former Headquarters, now doubtless under Prime's control. Now, what did you wish to see me for?"

Quick Switch

2002-11-12, 03:16 AM

Thunderwing's optics glowed nearly impercetibly as he called upon the Chaos Matrix to once again attempt to bind Rodimus Convoy to his will. The aristocrat replied:

"Good Convoy, your previous efforts do you much credit...and your work at my headquarters has not been forgotten; Prime has not seized it, nor will he."

Thunderwing crossed his arms.

"Your mission, whether you parley with Optimus Prime or not, will remain the same. You will not be dissuaded from your goal of deafeating him for the leadership of the Autobots. Your work is not yet done."

He smiled.

"You, Rodimus Convoy, exemplar of two universes, will not be cowed or bribed by Optimus Prime's semantical diplomacy. He seeks to parley with you because he knows that his forces are weak. Fanatics, yes, but they are untrained and undisciplined. They are blinded by his legacy of leadership merely because he has ruled the Autobots for millions of years. They know no other way of life."

Thunderwing's optics glowed more brightly as he used more Chaos Energy; he wanted to wrap this up.

"At the conference tomorrow, convince Prime if you can that his cause is lost, his time is over. If you can arrange it, speak to his troops; even if you convert no others your own forces will hear, understand and be affirmed. Do your best to bring Prime's troops out of the darkness and into the light. It is your destiny."

Thunderwing stopped channeling the Chaos Energy and his optics returned to their normal hue. Now, he would see if his words had any effect.

Sixswitch

2002-11-12, 02:58 PM

Rodimus's eyes flickered twice, the only external indication that the Matrix had any affect. However...

The glowing blue ball of energy hovered, embodying all that was Good and Noble, Strong and Courageous. But there was another energy at work here - a stronger energy than Rodimus Convoy's spark. Chaos Energy.

It washed across Rodimus like a wave, briefly passing over his spark, but it was enough. A tiny dot of red was printed indelibly on the spark. A line emerged from it, and licked at the blue, like the first flames of a match to paper. Soon, the fire of Chaos spread all over Rodimus's spark, intermingling with it, becoming indistinguishable from the host it had infected. The spark darkened, becoming a sickly purple colour, and within the Chaos Matrix, Unicron laughed.

"You are right of course, Thunderwing," Rodimus spoke normally.
"I can not let Prime's hollow words and promises decieve me. We leave for Iacon soon. I thank you for your counsel."

Quick Switch

2002-11-12, 04:48 PM

Thunderwing smiled; he himself had sensed the Chaos Matrix at work.

"History will absolve you," he replied simply and left the conference room. "Come along, Sixhot. Our business is concluded here."

Thunderwing left Metroplex and walked toward the Quintesson ship.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-12, 06:40 PM

"That was certainly quick..."

Sixshot couldn't help but feel that things were moving quickly, he shot Prowl a momentry glance, nothing more was exchanged between the two.

****************************

Prowl watched Rodimus for a moment.

"I take it the meeting went well?"

Redstreak

2002-11-12, 08:16 PM

Torque had timed the meeting. Five minutes flat and Thunderwing was returning to the Quintesson ship. Either things had gone very well, or very badly, he wasn't sure which, but he took his hands away from the trigger, believing that there would be no need for force. Still, whatever had happened had intrigued him...the monitors didn't give sound, so he had to make his judgment on the meeting based solely on visuals, which was not easy. He would have to think about it, and depending on Rodimus' actions, he would arrive at his conclusion.

Sixswitch

2002-11-12, 08:33 PM

Rodimus nodded.
"Yes, very well. Things are moving, gentlemen. Thunderwing seems eager to help us. Maybe too eager, but I am encouraged by the meeting. For now though, we have more immediate concerns. Torque, Prowl, we must now leave for Iacon. Contact Scattershot, have him meet us outside the city - I believe that is where Sky Lynx shall be meeting us.

He was growing steadily restless, since Thunderwing had harnessed the power of the Chaos Matrix in destroying Scourge he had found no use for the slew of seekers at his disposal.

Blaster_86

2002-11-12, 11:32 PM

Bluestreak popped his head into the Command room "Hey guys?" He said moving all the way into the door way. "Whats up?" He asked smiling as he walked in looking around. "Whoa haven't been in here for a while" he says "Not since I left earth just after 2006" talking to no one in particular. He was obviously nervous with the obvious conflict with his fellow autobots coming up.

"How are you Roddy? What do you think of our Universe"

He looked at Prowl "Hey I didn't know you left Optimus too"

Sixswitch

2002-11-12, 11:59 PM

"Hey Bluestreak, it's good to see you here," Rodimus said amicably. It's all well so far. Or as well as can be expected. The Decepticons seem willing to talk, and soon, we go to Iacon to meet with Prime and his men."

He turned to Prowl and Torque.

"Do you think Sunstreaker had a point? That it'd be unwise to take a big force to meet with Prime? Sunstreaker got the wrong impression, maybe he will too?"

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-13, 12:14 AM

"I had no choice, at the end of the day, all I've been striving for since day one is peace. Rodimus Convoy comes here promising it."

Prowl turned his attention to his new leader.

"I wouldn't suggest a big force, appearences can be deceptive, I believe our currents plans are sufficient, it's only logical to believe that Prime would take one of, if not both, the six-changers. We would simply act as an envoy for our beliefs..."

Sixswitch

2002-11-13, 12:29 AM

"Agreed," Rodimus replied simply.
"Bluestreak, you stay here in command of Metroplex until we return. I know it's hardly perfect, but there is work to be done here. Metroplex has yet to be fully tested in battle simulations. Perhaps you can handle something of the like? Contact Grand aboard Grand Maximus. I'm sure he'd be happy to assist."

He turned to his men who'd be accompanying him.

"As for the rest of us, let's roll to Sky Lynx."

He transformed, and roared out of the command centre, en route to the exterior of the city. On his arrival, he transformed back to robot mode.

"Hail Sky Lynx, we are ready to depart."

Blaster_86

2002-11-13, 12:32 AM

Bluestreak looked at Rodimus "I saw Sunstreaker driving out of here in a hurry yelling he was a true Autobot again, did he just join us?" Bluestreak asks.

Sixswitch

2002-11-13, 12:33 AM

"No, Bluestreak," Metroplex rumbled.
"He just left us. He didn't believe in Rodimus's philosophies. The rest of us do, however."

Redstreak

2002-11-13, 01:49 AM

Torque followed behind Rodimus, transforming into tank mode and rolling to Sky Lynx. Upon his arrival, he returned to robot mode, and climbed aboard. There was certainly no time to waste.

Cryhavoc

2002-11-13, 11:54 AM

The doors to the command bridge of the Quintesson ship opened and Snapdragon in his reptilian mode walked in, a sharkticon hanging from his jaws.

The Horrorcon opened his jaws and dropped the badly beaten sharkticon to the floor, placing his other foot over it in order not to let the creature go.

"Got on my way... and seemed to thought being a tough one." Snapdragon snorted and turned to look at Skywarp. "How's Thunderwing's visit to Metroplex going?"

Quick Switch

2002-11-13, 02:41 PM

Delibarata scowled.

"Refrain from brutalizaing my guards, Decepticon," he muttered.

Thunderwing clanked up the ramp of the ship, Sixshot not far behind.

"The visit went well, Snapdragon," the aristocrat replied. "Rodimus Convoy is once again under our control. Skywarp, what do you say if you were detached to sit in on the Autobot conference? Would you find the experience useful?"

Cryhavoc

2002-11-13, 03:07 PM

Snapdragon turned to glare at the Quintesson with hatred in his burning optics. "Your commands mean nothing to me Quintesson."

The brutish Horrorcon increased the pressure of his foot over the sharkticon until the creature's hide gave up under Snapdragon's weight.

"I only set up an example for others of its kind." Snapdragon growled and transformed into robot mode, lifting his hand to greet Thunderwing.

"Any tasks for me sir?"

Lord Zarak

2002-11-13, 03:33 PM

guys, hows it all going?" asked Sky Lynx, who was in chipper mood.
"I take it you need the best and the quickest transportation to where we are going, which is...?" concluded Sky Lynx

Quick Switch

2002-11-13, 05:53 PM

The other Sharkticons snarled at the treatment of their comrade at the feet of Snapdragon. The Alligatorcons, however, simply looked on in amusement. None of their kind were stupid enough to engage in such suicidal behavior.

Delibarata stopped himself from replying to the thuggish Horrorcon.

His kind cannot be reasoned with.

"Indeed, I do, Snapdragon," Thunderwing returned to sitting in his chair. "Find the corpse of Scroponok...otherwise known as Black Zarak. Take Apeface and Thrust with you. You may have to scalvage in the battle zone where Unicron's remains lie. Commandeer a ship for the purpose. When-if- you find it, find some way of attaching it, and bring it clandestinely back to Cybertron, and store it in my present base."

Dirge looked on, inquisitive.

"What about Thundercracker and me, Thunderwing?"

The aristocrat steepled his fingers.

"If Skywarp desires companions to sit in on the conference, by all means, go. If he does not, you two will provide company for the Judge and myself."

Dirge nodded, then looked at Skywarp, waiting an answer.

Cryhavoc

2002-11-13, 06:00 PM

"Black Zarak eh? Wasn't that... that Fortress Maximus sized battleship Galvatron had in the fight against Unicron? I could swear I saw it exploding into millions of pieces..." Snapdragon spoke in response to Thunderwing, completely ignoring the Sharkticons' protests.

Quick Switch

2002-11-13, 06:07 PM

Thunderwing smiled.

"Perhaps it did. Regardless, find what you can, and bring it back for me."

Cryhavoc

2002-11-13, 06:11 PM

"And that ship you spoke of... ? Where can I get that?" Snapdragon asked.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-13, 06:13 PM

Skywarp glanced at Thundercracker and Dirge.

"Although the company's not perfect, it will suffice..."

Thundercracker scowled at Skywarp, it was evident that he wasn't happy at Skywarp's jovial remark, but was willing to accompany him.

Quick Switch

2002-11-13, 06:24 PM

Dirge, Skywarp and Thundercracker walked out of the ship and back onto Metroplex's landing pad.

Skywarp bit back a reflex to make a joke- harder then usual, in his case.

****

"Lift off, Delibarata," Thunderwing commanded.

In a moment, the Spiral Ship's hatch closed and extracted itself from Metroplex's landing pad. it lifted off.

Thunderwing thought about Snapdragon's question.

"I cannot use one of my own personal ships...if anyone noticed the connection...no, impossible. Go to one of Polyhex's many spaceports and steal one...preferrably an old vessel, which won't attract much attention. When we reach Polyhex, I will drop you off at the spaceport."

The Spiral Ship spun on towards Polyhex.

Cryhavoc

2002-11-13, 06:32 PM

"Fine with me." Snapdragon replied and opened comm-link to Thrust and Apeface.

>"Snapdragon here. Drag yer filthy hides to the command bridge. We have a job to do."

Blaster_86

2002-11-13, 09:00 PM

Bluestreak nodded "Oooooh too bad I yeall like him he's cool" Bluestreak walks over to a chair sitting doing in it looking around.

"So Metro where did the other go"

Sixswitch

2002-11-13, 11:07 PM

"Rodimus Convoy is leading a delegation to Iacon, to meet with Optimus Prime. Prime hopes to convince Rodimus of his sincerity, but I don't know if that's going to be possible."

Redstreak

2002-11-13, 11:08 PM

Torque punched in the coordinates into Skylynx's nav-com. "We'll see if powers of persuasion work anymore, I guess."

Reflector

2002-11-14, 03:49 AM

"Sorry we're late, Rodimus," Scattershot apologized as he led the Technobots up Sky Lynx' ramp. "We had one slagger of a time getting Nosecone out of rest mode."

While the other Technobots took their seats around the shuttle, the lethargic drill tank sauntered up the ramp and made his way to the group.

"Rodimus Convoy to Bluestreak. We're leaving now, hold down the fort for us, would you?"

OK Sky Lynx, take us out, set a course for Iacon.

Lord Zarak

2002-11-14, 01:35 PM

"We're going home then are we?" asked Sky Lynx as he blasted off into the sky.

Sixswitch

2002-11-14, 05:57 PM

"Not quite Sy Lynx," Rodimus replied to the shuttle.
"We're going to speak to Prime, see if we can't get him to stop his agressive, imperialist ways. The Autobots travelling with me have had enough of his insistence on war, and we will be demanding that he stops. I only hope his responses satisfy me, but alas, I do not hold out much hope."

He turned to the others with him.

"Our mission here is twofold. If I am unable to persuade Prime, then we shall need other Autobots to see our viewpoint if possible. I shall give the word, then you must travel through Iacon, seek out those unhappy with his rule. Let them know that there is another path open to them, but no violence. They may be misguided, but they are still Autobots."

Redstreak

2002-11-14, 05:58 PM

"I'm not much of a persuader, but I'll give it a shot," Torque says.

Blaster_86

2002-11-14, 06:51 PM

Bluestreak nodded "Uhhh Fort held down guys HAVE FUN!"

Sixswitch

2002-11-14, 08:37 PM

"Just do your best, Torque, if it comes to that. Same goes for the rest of you. Now, we best get moving... Sky Lynx?"

(OOC: Rodimus's crew aboard Sky Lynx's story will now temporarily continue in The Chaos Effect: Divided Loyalties - Optimus Prime. The action at Metroplex, and Thunderwing's Decepticons will remain here.)

Quick Switch

2002-11-15, 02:47 PM

Dirge, Skywarp and Thundercracker transformed to jet mode and followed Rodimus Convoy's shuttle.

Cryhavoc

2002-11-15, 04:47 PM

Snapdragon turned to look at Thunderwing, somewhat annoyedly. "My... partners, are not responding at all commander. I am getting tired of waiting..."

Redstreak

2002-11-15, 07:29 PM

"But waiting, dear Snapdragon, is part of the game." Top Dollar stepped from the shadows into the light, shook Thunderwing's hand warmly again and sat down. "If you've no patience, the victory you seek shall never come."

He turns to Thunderwing. "The Insecticons were of little use, and I'm afraid more of our kind are on Earth wasting their precious energon on the humans. It's most hopeless unless you were to show them the way yourself, I'm afraid."

His ship had arrived shortly after the breakup of the meeting with Rodimus Convoy, and latched onto an entry port of Thunderwing's ship as it always did. For the last several minutes, he had been watching, silently, waiting for a moment to make himself known.

Quick Switch

2002-11-15, 09:04 PM

Thunderwing was about to reply when Top Dollar appeared. He accepted the bounty hunter's hand with ease.

"Alas, failure resulted, yet the attempt was made. I can find no fault for such an honest effort." The aristocrat smiled. "Yes, wait a while longer..."

Judge Delibarata nodded.

"Impressive. My Spiral Ship security system should have detected your egress into the vessel...yes. Unexpected. Who are you?"

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-15, 10:53 PM

"A rough-shot bounty hunter"

Sixshot walked past the Sharkticons who were still protesting about Snapdragon's actions earlier.
He picked up the body of the droid he destroyed earlier and threw it to the Sharkticons.

"Hungry?"

Quick Switch

2002-11-15, 11:39 PM

The Sharkticons merely growled their assent and set upon ripping the droid to pieces, which were rapidly consumed.

Delibarata nodded at Sixshot's offering.

"At least one of your number values my guards' assistance," he grumbled.

Thunderwing smirked, but said nothing.

Redstreak

2002-11-16, 01:52 AM

Top Dollar smirked. "I'm afraid Sixshot hasn't always found my brand of assistance to his liking," he said to the Quintesson. "But I'm the best marksman in the galaxy, and for the right price, my services can be acquired by any who wish them."

Blaster_86

2002-11-16, 04:17 AM

Bluestreak sat boredly in the chair in Metroplex's command "Man what is there to do here"

Cryhavoc

2002-11-16, 09:15 AM

Snapdragon gave Top Dollar an angry glare but didn't do anything else.

"Fine... I will wait..." He snarled annoyedly and sat down on an empty seat, folding his arms behind his head. I'll wait...

Blaster_86

2002-11-17, 10:33 PM

Bluestreak had become restless of sitting in the command room of Metroplex so had decided to go for a walk through the large corridor's of the Autobot city.

"Man this place is eeeeempty" he called when he heard a voice coming from a room down the hall.

"What the" he said "Intruder" he pulled out his Ion Charge disperser readying it and sneaking up. He hopped it was someone on their side but he knew what too do if it wasn't.

Bluestreak crept to the corner the voice becoming familiar as he swung in and fired off a shot at the medical officer Ratchet hitting the wall behind ratchet creating a small explosion.

Ratchet was knocked back onto hit butt shaking his "WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE MATRIX!" Ratchet called

"Yes, an Intruder going over data files of all the Autobots following Rodimus for damages" he replied sarcastically.

Bluestreak sighed "I'm sorry, I just thought..."

"Wrong?" Ratchet asked

Bluestreak nodded "Yeah wrong"

Sixswitch

2002-11-17, 11:02 PM

While Ratchet and Bluestreak were talking, Scamper drove up in car mode, and transformed into robot mode holding a welding tool.
"Do you mind not shooting the place up?" he asked half jokingly.
"It's tough enough for the three of us to keep this place running as it is."

Then he set to work on the damaged wall.
"Besides, Metroplex's internal sensors would detect any intruders. There's no need to worry," the robot assured Bluestreak and Ratchet.

Quick Switch

2002-11-18, 10:59 PM

The Quintesson Spiral Ship flew over Polyhex.

Thunderwing signaled to an Alligatorcon, who opened the hatch.

"Go, Snapdragon! Time is of the essence!"

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-18, 11:15 PM

Sixshot chuckled slightly, the thought of kicking one of the Sharkticons out of the shuttle had crossed his mind, just to get a reaction and, subsequently, something to do.

Being a personal body guard to the most powerful Transformer in creation had its downfalls.

Quick Switch

2002-11-19, 01:38 AM

Thunderwing snapped his fingers.

"You seem restless, my six-changing confederate," the aristorcrat chuckled. "Why don't you accompany good Snapdragon here? With your added firepower, any resistance you may encounter will be terminated...yes, I like this idea. Go, Sixshot, since apparently the others I have dispatched do not care for this sort of exciting venture."

Blaster_86

2002-11-19, 02:24 AM

Bluestreak now felt inadequet from what Scamper was saying.

"Oh, well I didn't know his defences did that. Well I did but it slipped my mind cause I did help build it after all and...."

"Shut up Bluestreak" Ratchet groaned.

Sixswitch

2002-11-19, 02:51 AM

"It's no matter," Metroplex spoke up.
"Your belligerence is admirable Bluestreak. It's the fact that you were aware that was important, regardless of whether I knew or not. The damage is easily repaired."

Redstreak

2002-11-19, 03:23 AM

Top Dollar couldn't help but smirk at Thunderwing turning the tables on the six-changer. He knew as well as anyone that crossing him was a mistake few could afford to make, and wondered silently if Sixshot was approaching that kind of level with his commander.

He wanted to ask what about himself, but believed that in doing so he would be forced into accompanying someone he didn't like, and who didn't like him on a mission he was not familiar with.

Not my style, he thought to himself, and remained in his seat, modifying his gun.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-19, 09:35 PM

"Thunderwing, this is Skywarp. We have been denied access to the meeting despite our best efforts, we have undertaken a new plan however...we are currently in Iacon air space, continuing surveilence..."

***************

By the inferno...

"Very well Thunderwing..."

Sixshot walked over to Snapdragon

"What're we waiting for....Polyphex or bust!"

Quick Switch

2002-11-19, 09:41 PM

Thunderwing acknowledged Skywarp's communique.

"Very well. Proceed."

He flicked his gaze to Snapdragon and Sixshot.

"Don't fail me. Scorponok is essential to my plans!"

The Alligatorcon gestured that the hatch was already open, propmting the two Cons to jump out...hopefully.

Cryhavoc

2002-11-20, 11:06 AM

Snapdragon turned lazily towards the open hatch and transformed into his starfighter mode, launching himself into the space, taking a course towards Polyhex.

"I am still quite sure we are not going to find anything left of Scorponok..." Snapdragon muttered as he sped towards the ancient Decepticon capital city...

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-21, 10:11 PM

"We never thought we'd see Galvatron again either."

Sixshot tore out of the shuttle behind Snapdragon

"Polphex dead ahead"

Quick Switch

2002-11-22, 01:05 AM

Thunderwing ordered the hatch shut, and the ship lazily flew back to Thunderwing's base.

Frustrated Snapdragon punched his fist against the outerior of a rather large shuttle next to the one he had been examining at, his fist sinking easily through the armoring before stopping against something.

"Frag..."

The annoyed Horrorcon drew his fist out from the hole he had just made and looked at the damages he had made.

"What the...?"

The hole he had made was barely a foot long... and unlike the surrounding armor of the shuttle, the hole had revealed sturdy durabellium plating that had refused to give in under the pressure of Snarpdragon's punch.

Snapdragon transformed into his reptilian mode and slashed at the hull of the ship with his carbon steel claws. Again the scrap metal surrounding the ship gave in, revealing more black durabellium plating that seemed to be undamaged.

Transforming back to robot mode, Snapdragon began to look for the entrance into the shuttle. After few seconds of searching, his scanners spotted a hatch door hidden under the camoflauge plating. It opened without resistance.

"Well what do we have here..." Snapdragon muttered and climbed in. The interior was clearly of a military design... a Decepticon one.

Snapdragon took a seat in front of the controls of the ship and after few quick scans over the console he managed to ignite the ship's engines which began humming quietly.

"Well hooray for me... Sixshot!!!"

Sixswitch

2002-11-23, 11:38 PM

Springer stood up, and sheathed his weapon in subspace, helping Wheeljack back to his feet.
"Sorry about that. We arrived too late. I'll go check on the wounded."

The Wrecker leader walked over to where First Aid was working on Sixswitch.
"How is he?"

Without waiting for an answer, he pressed a button, and a mouthpiece extended into place in front of his mouth.

"Minerva, get over here, First Aid could use your help."

***

Rodimus groaned.
"Feels like I've been hit in the back by a cybermule, but I'll live. Check on the others."

Prowl kneeled down next to his leader.
"We should get back to Metroplex. Ratchet can look at the wounded there."
"Agreed," Rodimus said weakly.

Delibarata activated the controls once more and entered in the coordinates of Thunderwing's base...

Redstreak

2002-11-24, 02:53 AM

Torque went over to Lightspeed and turned him over. He looked inactive, but Torque was hardly a medic. Afterburner and Nosecone didn't look good either, nor did Strafe. They weren't seriously damaged, but hurt enough to be unconscious and inactive.

"They've looked better," he reports back to Rodimus. "I'm no expert, but they look inactive to me. Think Ratchet's gonna have some work in front of him."

Sixswitch

2002-11-24, 03:04 AM

Rodimus laughed, then winced.
"That's something we have in common, my friend. I'll tell you now, however, if Prime wants a civil war, he's just gone the right way about getting one."

He struggled to sit up properly, but slumped back down.

"Check the readouts. How far till Metroplex? Once we're in comms range, contact Ratchet and Bluestreak. Make sure they're ready to recieve wounded."

Bombshell

2002-11-24, 06:44 AM

In the bowels of the shuttle, Darkwing, Dreadwind, Thrust and Apeface worked on repairing the damages that it had sustained, and upgrading it's defenses. Deliberata had ordered them to do it shortly after returning from the disasterous meeting with Teratron The work was terrible, but Thunderwing would have their hides if they didn't do it, and it was all that they could of to avoid thinking about happened to the traitor Ramjet.

Darkwing plugged in a control console to the engineering panel.

"That should do it", he said, flipping a switch, and the screen showed a schematic of the ship, showing them the ship.

Suddenly, a Sharkticon appeared at the door.

"You come with me", he said. "Deliberata wants to talk to you."

"About time", Thrust said. "We've been at this for hours."

The four Decepticons followed the Sharkticon to the bridge, where Deliberata was plotting their course back to Thunderwing's base.

"We're here", Apeface said. "What you want?"

Redstreak

2002-11-24, 06:45 AM

Torque headed over and checked the panels. "Not long, just a few clicks. We're in comms range; I'm encoding our frequency so Prime cannot eavesdrop.

Bluestreak was just outside of the command center when he hears Rodimus

"Uh Oh sounds bad, wonder how many" He looked aroundtrying to think quickly on what to do running into the command center. He quickly turned on the inner communications of Metroplex going to all sections.

"Hey uh Ratchet. Woundedincomign I hope you're ready"
~~

"First he trys too destroy my lab THEN he tells me I have to heal in it" Ratchet said to himself immdeatly clearing spaces for damaged Transformers.

"Hurry up Scamper" he muttered.

Sixswitch

2002-11-24, 02:00 PM

Scamper grinned.
"Just in time, eh? I'm done. I better go prepare for Rodimus's arrival now."
He bustled out of the door, and transformed into car mode, speeding off through the corridors.

Omega had arrived at Metroplex, and soon was making his landing outside the city. The hatch slammed open, and Six-Gun moved forwards.
"You have wounded? Come, I'll help you get them inside."

Rodimus struggled to stand, but eventually made it.
"Grimlock... Help us, eventually you'll have to take time to tell us the story of how you came to be here."

The huge Dinobot leader nodded, picking Scattershot up with ease, and walking down the ramp, and towards Metroplex. Six-Gun picked up afterburner, and followed, while Prowl took Lightspeed.

Rodimus was in no condition to pick up anyone, but grabbed Strafe anyone, and staggered slowly down the ramp after the others.

"No Rodimus, I'll take him," Prowl took Strafe lightly from his leader, and gestured to Torque to help with Nosecone. Rodimus shrugged, and simply followed.

Omega, guard Sky Lynx. Ratchet will have to look at him out here.
"Come on Torque, let's get inside."

Redstreak

2002-11-24, 06:10 PM

"Well, all terminology aside..." Torque mentioned, then grabbed Nosecone, flung him over his shoulder and headed out of Omega Supreme and into the building.

Quick Switch

2002-11-24, 07:06 PM

Delibarata nodded as the Decepticons entered the bridge.

"I wanted to note your high efficiency...at the moment. Impressive. You Decepticons can accomplish great things...at selective moments. Stand down for now."

Thunderwing airily waved a hand.

"Yes, yes, do as the Judge says...."

The Spiral Ship neared Thunderwing's nondescript headquarters..."

Cryhavoc

2002-11-24, 09:06 PM

"I don't know what to believe anymore..." Snapdragon muttered as he launched the shuttle to the skies over Cybertron.

"I thought I joined an unstoppable army that was going to lead us brighter future when I joined the Decepticons over four million Earth years ago... and now... heh, I am with a some religious zealot... against my old brothers in arms. I wonder how that happened." Snapdragon chuckled as he began steering the ship towards the belt of debris that surrounded Cybertron.

"Scorponok wasn't so bad... he was the one I served under for most of my time in the Decepticons army... and now I trying to find what is left of him... slag... times change." The Horrorcon who was feeling rather talkative at the moment spoke to Sixshot.

"And I certainly didn't see myself finding some brand new looking military shuttle camoflauged in rusty piece of scrap from the abandoned starports of Polyhex..."

Reflector

2002-11-24, 11:29 PM

Scattershot wriggled awkwardly in Grimlock's hulking arms, but really didn't yet have the strength to keep himself from being helped.

"I'm fine!" he whined. "I... oh... Thanks for the save, Grimlock."

The other Technobots, of course, just slumped motionless on their saviors.

Bombshell

2002-11-24, 11:44 PM

"I don't believe this!", Thrust said. "When do we get to see some action?!"

"Yeah!", Apeface said. "Me wanna smash Autobots!"

Quick Switch

2002-11-25, 12:15 AM

Thunderwing gazed wearily at Thrust and Apeface.

"All in good time..."

****

Sixshot snorted, not used to hearing the broody Snapdragon "open up."

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-25, 10:49 AM

"No-one's been here for thousands of cycles, I'm amazed that you're surprised to find something like this, un-used."

Sixshot looked over the controls, un-interestedly.

"Doesn't look like too old a class of shuttle mind you....." Sixshot stopped a moment, then continued.

"Scorponok, I knew him a while back, during the original assault on earth...a brilliant warrior...that he should meet his end fighting Unicron..."
***************

Grimlock said nothing to Scattershot, just simply walked behind the others, his arrival to Cybertron was abrupt, but he knew his place, and his leader, without question.

Sixswitch

2002-11-25, 01:08 PM

Rodimus limped up the ramp and into Metroplex, and headed for the command centre.
"Prowl, Torque, get the Technobots to Ratchet," he winced, grabbing his back.
"Get them repaired as soon as possible, then have Scamper and Six-Gun get Sky Lynx inside. I'll be in the command centre.

***

Outside Metroplex, Omega Supreme transformed back into his defence base, making a protective cordon around Sky Lynx.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-25, 01:27 PM

"No..."

Grimlock spoke at last.

"You need help too Rodimus"

Grimlock showed, at last, that he was Rodimus convoy's second in command, back in their time.

"You not struggle this time, or me Grimlock take you by force..."

Sixswitch

2002-11-25, 01:41 PM

Rodimus shrugged.
"Fine," he assented.
"As long as the others get seen to first. I'm not going to die any time soon. I'm not so sure about the rest though."

He turned around, and followed the rest of the troops down to the medbay.

"How did you get here anyway, Grimlock?" he asked.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-25, 01:47 PM

Prowl laughed slightly...

"Didn't you see that storm back there...!"

If Grimlock could've visibly frowned, he would have...the truth was that he didn't know...

"After you disappeared, Cybertron left for me to run...Peace was still rife, Grimlock ruled, waiting for you to return. Next thing me Grimlock see was my old sword. Then the battle, and retreat."

That was the best that Grimlock could figure out...one minute he knew where he was, the next plunged into the middle of, what would appear to be, an Autobot civil war.

Sixswitch

2002-11-25, 02:07 PM

Rodimus nodded.
"Last thing I can remember is the final moments of the victory at Autobot City on Earth, and then I was here. I recieved startling news about this universe's Prime. I didn't want to believe it, but he launched an attack on a vastly inferior Decepticon force. Then when I arrived with the troops who had sworn loyalty to me, he offered to explain his actions at Iacon. Like a fool, I believed him, and you know the rest."

He entered the medbay.
"Ratchet I'm afraid I have a lot of work for you. We were caught by Prime's forces. He planted a bomb in Sky Lynx, who's hurt badly. So are the Technobots. I've just got a few minor gunshot wounds."

Cryhavoc

2002-11-25, 04:06 PM

"... just how this damn universe plays with our lives." Snapdragon offered an end for Sixshot's sentence. "Heh, I wouldn't be surprised if this ship turns out to be living mechanism after all this slag thrown at us."

"As for your previous comment... that no one has been there for thousands of cycles... Tell that to those slagging scavengers I drove out from four shuttles down there. Neutrals seem to be really desperate for shelter if they look it from our old capitol." Snapdragon smirked at Sixshot as he manouvered the shuttle that was almost the size of Omega Supreme's rocket mode through the belt of debris surrounding them.

"Seen anything yet?"

Redstreak

2002-11-25, 05:53 PM

"I guess it shows you really can't trust Prime at all," Torque says as he puts Nosecone down on an operating table. "His troops are just too blind to see what he truly is, and that's unfortunate."

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-25, 08:43 PM

"Junk...."

Sixshot played with some more of the buttons, not expecting to find anything a vid-screen suddenly booted into life.

"...then again."

Cybertron, location:Polyphex...

The screen flickered slightly...then cleared up.

Project : Zarak Sixshot's eyes lit up.

"Snapdragon, you might want to watch this"

Cryhavoc

2002-11-25, 08:49 PM

"What it is about?" Snapdragon asked and moved into position where he could see the vidscreen.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-25, 09:47 PM

"Project Zarak mean anything to ya?"

Sixshot watched on as the video continued on...

Project Zarak...date; unknown

"I found the vessel many orns ago, an exact date, I do not know when I began work, but I know I am near the end."

The video clip suddenly skipped, stuttered slightly and began again.

"Jhiaxus...." Sixshot spoke out loud

The original project began many moons ago, a secret undertaking by myself and Jhiaxus... to create the ultimate war machine...it was originally unstable and put into stasis, never to be revived...it soon became evident that he was and ultimately was destroyed.

Another cut in the tape...

It fell to me to create the entity, but stability would always be a question....I worked for what seemed, a lifetime. Taking parts from old shuttle crafts, parts that worked, and adapting the frame that I had found

"psycho babble"

Working by yourself, you find a certain intimacy with your project, I named it Zarak...a fitting name...not as grand as it's former being...

"Boring...." Snapdragon shouted at the viewscreen.

Sixshot noticed the video spluttered again...the camera had moved position now...

The finished product...all it needs now is life...whatever it takes...

Zarak project, final entry
The process, hasn't worked...I'm stuck in this huge black shell...I don't have any abilities, but I do have (almost) full control of my awareness...I need someone...something...to give me life...

"Sounds like whatever we've found here is possessed."

Cryhavoc

2002-11-25, 10:38 PM

"Is this thing trying to tell us that... this ship is living? And quite the thing we were looking for?" Snapdragon asked from Sixshot, dumbfounded by all that had happened.

"That is very much true. I take I finally got your attention." The ship spoke. "But I was not able to do it before..."

"Frag! Is nothing here like it seems?!" Snapdragon snarled, while looking nervously around.

"You should know Snapdragon and you too Sixshot... that we are more than meets the eye." The ship spoke again.

"Who the frag are you?!" Snapdragon yelled at the ship, now being really unsure of what was going to happen.

"Oh... you know me well... or at least you knew me. I am/was Scorponok/Cryhavoc/Black Zarak. Now I am a fusion of them all. But what is more important... I need your help."

Blaster_86

2002-11-26, 12:05 AM

Ratchet moved over to Nosecone his hand sliding into his arm being replaced by a blow torch type item as he bends over and begins to open a peice of the chest panel to get inside to fix any internal damages.

Bombshell

2002-11-26, 04:02 AM

Thrust looked at Thunderwing.

"How much longer till we get back to base, boss?", he asked.

Quick Switch

2002-11-26, 04:34 AM

Thunderwing smiled as the Spiral Ship landed.

"As of now, my Seeker subordinate."

The aristocrat rose and, with Delibarata in tow, exited the ship for the inside of his base.

Bombshell

2002-11-26, 04:48 AM

The four Decepitcon warriors follwed Thunderwing inside, wondering what was to happen next.

Redstreak

2002-11-26, 04:58 AM

Top Dollar coolly exited as well, minding his own business. Thunderwin'gs manipulations were going wonderfully, and he grinned in anticipation of his next phase.

Sixswitch

2002-11-26, 11:32 AM

Rodimus grinned.
"The talks didn't go exactly as planned, as you can see Ratchet. Sorry about shoving all these repairs onto you like this."

Quick Switch

2002-11-26, 05:12 PM

Thunderwing sat in his elegant command chair; the Quintesson Judge and his outriders following behind. As the blast doors sealed shut after the Seekers and Top Dollar entered, Thunderwing airily pointed at Dirge.

"Play the tape, Dirge. For our amusement."

Dirge grinned, walked to a large communications console, and removed the tape from his portable camcorder. The tape begin to roll...

Bombshell

2002-11-26, 09:13 PM

Darkwing and Dreadwind looked at the screen.

Thrust looked at Dirge, then back at the screen.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-26, 09:18 PM

Skywarp just sat...smirked, chuckled, then burst into fits of heavy laughter....

Quick Switch

2002-11-26, 10:45 PM

Thunderwing humphed.

"You actually have to play the tape, Dirge. Do it!"

Dirge scowled, and jammed the tape in harder. Evidently, it had been on a pre-set test mode.

Dirge pushed the equivalent of a play button on the console, and images began to appear of the conference.

Bombshell

2002-11-26, 10:55 PM

"Do we have to watch this again?", Darkwing asked.

"Yeah", Dreadwind said. "This is so depressing."

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-11-26, 10:59 PM

"You two need your memory chips checked...."

Skywarp pointed out that the video hadn't been played, mostly due to the ineptitued of Dirge.

"Where's my popcorn..."

Cryhavoc

2002-11-27, 02:51 PM

Snapdragon hit his head against the computer panel in front of him few times and cursed aloud for a while before gaining back his composure.

"Okay... let's get this straight now... You just solved our problem. We were looking for your remains... and you need our help to transform. That's it, we take you to Thunderwing." Snapdragon said with a wicked grin on his face behind the mask he weared.

>"I fear I have to settle to this then." The ship responded.

Snapdragon turned to face the controls of the ship again and began manouvering the large vessel towards Thunderwing's base.

"Sixshot... what if you inform boss that we found what we were looking for?"

Sixswitch

2002-12-03, 02:00 PM

Rodimus stood, and checked himself over, then thanked the medical droid that had seen to his injuries.
"A pleasure," it said in its monotone voice, and smiled a curious smile - as if it wasn't built for such actions.

"Grimlock, Prowl we have much to discuss. Torque, you come tooAs you know, the talks failed. I did what I could, but..." he shrugged his shoulders and made an expansive gesture.
"If it's war Prime wants, it's war he'll get. We have to make preperations."

He turned to Ratchet.

"Once the Technobots are revived, send Scattershot up to the meeting room, and Sky Lynx is outside the city in shuttle mode, awaiting repair too. He's been hit very hard."

He turned, and made for the door.

"We have to lay battle plans. Let's discuss it further in the meeting room, but from now on, I want Metroplex on full alert."

Redstreak

2002-12-03, 06:40 PM

Torque turned and followed Rodimus out. Now that he was back at full strength, it was time to plot the move. What was a tense situation before was surely going to only get worse...he almost felt a sense of pity towards Prime for making the mistake he did at the talks...

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-05, 11:20 AM

Sixshot opened a comm channel.

**Thunderwing, this is Sixshot reporting about the Scorponok situation. It would appear that we have found the vessel that we are looking for, and it would also appear to come with a distinct history, suggest a landing site for our craft and request that you meet us personally there. Sixshot out**

**********************************

Skywarp watched the video tape amusedly.

"Excellent job Dirge, first class..." Skywarp knew exactly what had went down at Iacon, and this video perfectly incriminated Sixswitch without a doubt.

"Thunderwing, what plans have you for fun?"

**********************************

(also posted in the OP thread, trying to keep it coherent)

"Prowl? This is Hound... are you hearing me okay? Please respond. I need to talk with you, and it won't take long. I promise."

Prowl paused...

"Rodimus, if I may be excused a moment..." Prowl didn't wait for a reply, he just simply walked down a different corridor.

"Hound, you picked a fine time to contact me...transmit any further communications via channel alpha-nine, I'll contact you when I can"

Quick Switch

2002-12-05, 05:12 PM

Thunderwing rose.

"Excellent." He contact Sixshot. "What a wonderful turn of events. I will meet you...near the wreckage of Shockwave's old command post. It should be suitably abandoned by now."

He turned to Skywarp.

"The fun is about to begin, my dear Skywarp. As soon as we restore Scorponok to his former glory, we will have a War Fortress to match Metrotitan and Metroplex...and Fortress Maximus. Skywarp, Thundercracker, Dirge, Top Dollar. Back to the Ship. I don't want anyone stumbling upon Scorponok until we can coordinate his transfer."

Judge Delibarata grumbled:

"And me?"

"You will stay with Apeface." Thunderwing stalked out of the room toward the Spiral Ship.

"Thanks 'Warp. Best roll o' film I ever shot," Dirge chuckled as he got to his feet and walked with Thunderwing to the Spiral Ship.

Bombshell

2002-12-05, 05:56 PM

apeface glared at th Quintesson.

"Why I get babysitting job?", he asked.

Thrust turned to Thunderwing.

"And what do I get to do?", he asked.

Quick Switch

2002-12-05, 08:42 PM

Thunderwing called back:

"Apeface, you and Thrust will assist Judge Delibarata in making certain that this temporary base's security devices are in top flight condition. There are those among the Autobots who would see me dead. I want a detterence system in place, for I don't have time to deal with their petty threats at the moment."

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-05, 08:59 PM

"Snapdragon, communications from Thunderwing suggest we land at the old space bridge..."

Sixshot re-opened the comm channel

"Thunderwing, we are bringing Scorponok in...though you're in for a surprise..."

*************

Skywarp rose from his chair...

"Have fun playing nurse-maid Apeface....byyyyeeeeee!"

Redstreak

2002-12-05, 09:05 PM

Top Dollar smirked. He couldn't remember the last time he'd found anything Skywarp said amusing. But Deliberata, being a Quintesson, was worthy of being insulted.

He rose and started for the door. There was nothing else for him to do here, so he headed for the ship.

(Also posted in Op II thread)
Following is after standby...
-------
The click came signaling the switch.
"Prowl, sorry I interrupted you. I know much is going on, and I don't understand this at all. But I do understand this my friend... you and Rodimus Convoy came here to Iacon with good faith to see proof of Optimus' leadership. Trouble was, Soundwave was involved. He's a Decepticon. But I'm not. You know my photographic memory better than anyone! If you'll allow, I'll come to you by myself and unarmed. You have Ratchet. He can use my memory chips to see the truth of our history that way. You've been through it with me, and you know truth. Please, consider and allow this to happen so that the real Autobot history can be known to Rodimus Convoy."

Cryhavoc

2002-12-06, 11:30 AM

"Got it... the old spacebridge facilities." Snapdragon muttered and began to manouver the enormous shuttlecraft towards their destination...

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-06, 10:03 PM

Prowl clicked the message off, this was neither the time or the place to be communicating with 'the enemy'.

He rejoined Rodimus Convoy and Grimlock...

"Metroplex is on full alert Rodimus"

****************

"Dirge, don't look too eager, you might be the first he kicks into battle!"

Skywarp set course for the old decepticon Space Bridge.

"Thunderwing, I have locked onto the shuttle's signature...and this thing's huge..."

****************

"Get ready to meet your new boss Scorponok..."

Sixshot acknowledged Skywarp's contact via a tracking system, the two shuttles were piloting towards the same point.

Cryhavoc

2002-12-07, 06:54 PM

"Hah... like I was in any position to resist." Scorponok's voice boomed from the internal speaker systems of the massive spaceship.

"ETA... half breem." Snapdragon said. "Entering atmosphere now. I just hope that we are not spotted by enemy..."

Quick Switch

2002-12-07, 09:22 PM

Thunderwing's spiral ship set down at the old spacebridge, awaiting Sixshot and Snapdragon's arrival...

"Ah don't worry Skywarp...anything I get in my sights, won't leave in one piece."

Thunderwing nodded.

"Excellent. Continue observations, Skywarp."

****

Delibarata grumbled, checking the security apprati.

"You will be able to destroy things soon enough."

Bombshell

2002-12-08, 03:45 AM

"I wanna destroy you, stupid Quint", Apeface muttered.

Thrust decided not to say anything, deciding that the Horrorcon deserved whatever he got.

Sixswitch

2002-12-08, 11:17 PM

"Good," Rodimus told Prowl.
"Metroplex, I want to know the moment any new Transformers show up on your sensors."
"Yes Rodimus."

Rodimus turned to Grimlock, and smiled.
"Well, old friend. What should our next move be?"

Cryhavoc

2002-12-09, 01:48 PM

A small unclear spot appeared to the sky above the old spacebridge tower, growing larger and larger as it closed in towards the area where a Quintesson spiralship had landed to earlier.

Only few seconds later it exhaust gases from its brakethrusters had made it clear more visible... a huge, rusty looking cargoship, easily larger than the Quintesson vessel... yet if one had been paying attention to the ship's form, one could notice similarity between the gigantic spacecraft and earthern creature called scorpion...

Almost silently the ship landed to the open area near the Quint ship and small door on its side opened, revealing Snapdragon who jumped out of the vessel and by using the gravity manipulators located in his feet, the Horrorcon interceptor headed towards the Quint ship...

Quick Switch

2002-12-09, 08:45 PM

Delibarata grumbled, but said nothing as he continued his maintenance.

****

Thunderwing exited the Spiral Ship and stopped next to Snapdragon.

"Report!"

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-09, 09:25 PM

"Perhaps you should come see for yourself Thunderwing"

Sixshot was still aboard the shuttle, standing at the bay door that Snapdragon had bolted out of...

"Come and introduce yourself..."

**********************

"Look at the size of that thing.....said the femmebot to the mechanoid..."

Skywarp watched through the viewscreen at the shuttle that Snapdragon and Sixshot had managed to 'salvage'

"Don't look too run-down to me..."

Redstreak

2002-12-09, 09:44 PM

Torque glanced about a moment, then sat down. Though he wondered about asking Grimlock of all bots about strategy, he knew he was no better than the worst the dinobot could come up with. If it were up to him, he'd go charging down the gates that very moment.

****************

Top Dollar took in the view from within the ship, and targeted Snapdragon just in case he decided to pull anything stupid.

Quick Switch

2002-12-09, 09:47 PM

Thunderwing nodded and placed a hand on his chest.

"I am Lord Thunderwing. Now, where is Scorponok?"

****

Dirge peered at the viewscreen, laughing at Skywarp's joke all the while.

"You're right...interesting."

Bombshell

2002-12-10, 04:20 AM

Apeface turned and humbled towards Deliberata.

"Hey! I'm talking to you, Quint!", he said.

Quick Switch

2002-12-10, 05:31 AM

Five of the Alligatorcon guards transformed to robot mode and brandished their prod-lances at Apeface, stopping in front of their master.

"And I heard your comment before," the Judge retorted. "Now, return to your duties or I'll report you to Thunderwing, and ask for your termination. I have a feeling that your leader just might humour me on that request."

Delibarata flicked his optics toward Thrust.

"Are you just going to stand there and watch your compatriot get banged about by my guards if he doesn't stop this brutish behavior?"

Cryhavoc

2002-12-10, 08:10 AM

"Right here boss." Snapdragon said and pointed at the massive pile of junk he and Sixshot had brought to Thunderwing.

"Don't be fooled by its looks..." The Horrorcon added and a lasercannon materialized to his hand from its subspace storage.

Snapdragon aimed the weapon towards the massive cargoship and began shooting, causing the scrap metal to fall down from a small spot in the side of the ship, revealing the true nature of the ship. Jet-black reinforced durabellium that wasn't even scratched by Snapdragon's laserfire.

"Someone went through all the work and camoflauged it."

Blaster_86

2002-12-10, 04:44 PM

Bluestreak spun around in the command chair he had seated himself in. "What I would give for a game and some energon right now... what I would give just to be back at Iacon" he said to himself llooking around. "There is NOTHING to do here!" He cried out.
~~

Ratchet was now working on the Technobot Strafe he had done all he could for Nosecone. Strafe may be in the same boat aswell but Ratchet still worked as fast as he could.

Quick Switch

2002-12-10, 07:16 PM

Thunderwing smirked.

"Very good. Scorponok...is mine," he muttered. "Snapdragon, can Scorponok handle another short flight to my headquarters? If not, the Spiral Ship will tow him. I wish to leave immediately and begin repairs on Scroponok at once."

Cryhavoc

2002-12-10, 08:21 PM

"I can answer that question. Yes. There is nothing preventing me to fly to as far as to Earth if needed. What I need is a functioning transformation cog for my own was destroyed along with my old form in the battle against Unicron." The ship spoke, not caring to mention that he had tried already to make himself whole with a certain other transformation cog which had led to have himself trapped in his own body...

Snapdragon rubbed the back of his head with his hand and glanced at the ship, then at Thunderwing. "There's your answer boss..."

Quick Switch

2002-12-10, 08:41 PM

Thunderwing shrugged.

"Very well. We depart for my headquarters. The transformation cog issue will be dealt with in due time. Move out!"

Thunderwing turned and boarded the Spiral Ship, and in moments the ship was rocketing back to the aristocrat's headquarters.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-10, 09:14 PM

"Short...and sweet....just like Rumble...."

Skywarp grinned slightly, remembering the arguements they used to have...the moment passed quickly.

"Setting return co-ordinates for base of operations."

Bombshell

2002-12-10, 09:28 PM

"I've got no problem with you", Thrust said. "I don't care what you do to monkey boy."

Apeface grumbled, then headed back to his workstation.

"Slaghead", he muttered.

Reflector

2002-12-10, 10:32 PM

"I know what our next move is."

Scattershot pushed himself away from the frame of the door, rattling and clanking with every step into the room. His hand lunged out to grip the back of nearest chair, as though he'd just lost his balance as he reached the table. His still leaking and mangled body collapsed into the seat opposite Torque. His good optic turned up to Rodimus.

"We gotta strike back. Prime wants us dead; he wants to pick us off with bombs and whatever other schemes he might have, while you're off trying to make peace. That's a coward's way, plain 'n' simple. I ain't gonna stand for that. Are you?"

He looked to each Autobot at the table, making sure that they understand every one of them is being addressed. He looked back to Rodimus after completing his round and went on.

"We gotta rebuild, get Sky Lynx and the rest of the Technobots working again, then strike back. I know it seems kinda crazy, but we got two city-sized 'bots here."

He pointed an open palm to Grimlock.

"I'm sure you can rustle up some Dinobots for us. We gotta show Prime that we ain't just gonna sit back and let him assassinate us. Nothin' else we can do."

Quick Switch

2002-12-11, 12:28 AM

Dirge turned his head away from the gunnery station for a moment as he caught a pecular note of pathos in Skywarp's vocoder as he mentioned Rumble.

Odd. I didn't know Skywarp had any soft spot for the little punk, since he made fun of him so much.

Thunderwing, lost in his own thoughts of having Scorponok, did not catch Skywarp's comment.

****

Delibarata grunted.

"Very good then. Let us continue with the work your Lord set out for us."

Redstreak

2002-12-11, 01:16 AM

Torque looked at Scattershot with an admiration he'd never felt for any other Autobot before. He was wounded, he was leaking, but dammit if he hadn't just walked in there and made his opinion known.

"I agree with Scattershot completely," he said. "This is gonna come down to who makes the first move."

**********

Top Dollar sat back in the ship again. This seemed vaguely like a running of errands. It bored him, but there was little he could do...his talents were not yet needed, but were sure to be soon enough.

Cryhavoc

2002-12-11, 05:23 PM

Scorponok's computers took lock on the Quintessons ship as it took off and soon after the Quint ship, the enormous Decepticon craft piloted by Snapdragon followed...

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-11, 06:21 PM

"Prime always dirty fighter, but me not know where other Dinobots are now...Time is needed to re-couperate and repair. A strike now would be foolish...we would be scrap before we saw their optics..."

Grimlock took his seat and leaned back slightly, the chair creaked under the weight.

"Grimlock's right," Prowl butted in "to attack now would deminish our forces already. You're right, we do have two citybots at our disposal, but for the time being we need them as medbays and a base of operations...we're stuck in the middle of no-wheresville Cybertron. Perhaps we attack an energon storage facility...?"

The Decepticon aristorcrat waved his hands, which opened the massive doors to his headquarters. He was met by Judge Delibarata and his guards.

"Was the voyage productive, Decepticon?" he asked.

"Indeed, my dear Judge," Thunderwing answered. "I have found Scorponok, one of the most powerful Transformers in the universe. Assemble your troops. They will assist my men in repairing my War Fortress."

Delibarata nodded. In a short order, the Sharkticons and Alligatorcons had assembled outside; some clutched crude wielding torches, others saws, others hammers and chisels. All stood in their robot modes.

Bombshell

2002-12-11, 10:58 PM

Apeface and Thrust stood among the Sharkticons, Apeface carrying a welder, Thrust carrying a hammer. Darkwing and Dreadwind came over, carrying a large repair kit.

"Hm...maybe when Thunderwing brings Scorponok back, he use to to wipe smelly Quint off face of universe", Apeface muttered.

Hearing this, Darkwing muttered, "He's a dead bot."

"That's for sure", Dreadwind said.

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 12:09 AM

Dirge grabbed a crowbar and began hefting it.

"If someone'll coordinate...preferrably Scorponok himself...we'll know what to tear down and what to repair," the jet said.

Bombshell

2002-12-12, 01:27 AM

Dreadwind unlatched the top of the repair kit, and withdrew a pair of fusion cutters, hand ing one to Darkwing.

"Let's just hope Scorpy's not too badly damaged", Dreadwind said.

Apeface began to wander.

"When Scorponok going to arrive?", he kept muttering to himself.

Thrust approached Deliberata.

"I am curious", he said. "Just how do we plan to use Scorponok. It would appear to me that, even if he is still functional, we cannot operate him without Lord Zarak, the Nebulan who created and contolled him.

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 01:55 AM

Delibarata scowled.

"Your guess is as good as mine, Decepticon. I am no expert on Headmaster technology...and my knowledge of the Nebulans is miniscule. Perhaps some of Zarak's intelligence leached into Scorponok's robotic components before the battle with Unicron? Or perhaps Zarak upgraded the robotic brain of Scorponok himself before he died."

The Judge paused.

"Perhaps there is away around that dilemma...we shall have to see in what exact state Scorponok is in."

Cryhavoc

2002-12-12, 11:11 AM

The exhaust flames from Scorponok's brakethrusters forced the both Quintessons and Decepticons to back off as the enormous Decepticon landed, causing the ground tremble as he finally touched the ground again.

"I have arrived... Thunderwing... I would like to exchange few words with you..." The ship spoke as Snapdragon opened a small door on the side of the massive vessel in order to let Thunderwing enter Scorponok.

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 03:35 PM

Thunderwing walked up to Scorponok and crossed his arms as the massive Decepticon landed.

"Speak, Scorponok. What is on your mind?"

Cryhavoc

2002-12-12, 03:51 PM

"Allow me to... explain Thunderwing..." Scorponok began and then continued. "I am stuck... in my own body. I have no control over any of my functions... strange enough I am able to speak when my main systems are online... for this I can thank Sixshot and Snapdragon who activated my main systems. All of this... is my fault. I was too sure of my own abilities... I used the body of a Decepticon known as Cryhavoc to make a new body for myself... I enchanced it... I made it larger and more powerful... better than original Black Zarak... all in secrecy within the old spaceports of Polyhex... but I made a mistake of thinking that Cryhavoc's transformation cog would be enough to handle every changes I made to his dead form. I installed my own consciousness to Cryhavoc from my temporary body... it worked until... I tried to transform... Every single system fell and finally I got stuck in shrinked mid-transformation form. Do not let your troops to do anything more than remove the camoflauge surrounding me... even small changes might cause unpredictable results to my transformation circuits. I need a transformation cog equivalent of the one Fortress Maximus has. It cannot be any weaker."

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 03:56 PM

Thunderwing scowled.

"Very well then. Fortress Maximus' transformation cog must be stolen. We must locate his position, and then carry out the operation... but first..."

The aristocrat beckoned to his troops.

"Get to work! Remove only the camoflauge material!"

Dirge, the Sharkticons and Allagatorcons began to remove some of the superflous paint and scraps of metal from Scorponok's changed frame.

"I suppose you wouldn't have any idea where Fortress Maximus is at the moment?" Thunderwing mused bitterly to Scorponok.

Cryhavoc

2002-12-12, 04:09 PM

"I have been lying dormant for days... perhaps weeks. I do not possess such trivial information to share with you. However... I can tell you that Fortress Maximus is not on Cybertron. But faintly... I sense a presence of someone very similar to him." Scorponok answered to Thunderwing... showing the frustration he suffered from in his tone.

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 04:15 PM

"Grand Maximus," Thunderwing muttered. "Trypticon, and Metrotitan are on Cybertron at the moment...as well as the new Metroplex. We will have planety of targets to choose from. However, the mission will be a difficult one at best."

He turned, looking toward the shuttle, were some of his crew still remained.

"Skywarp, Top Dollar- estimations about the utility of attacking either of these four targets?"

Redstreak

2002-12-12, 04:34 PM

The bounty hunter looked at Thunderwing. "Point. Your forces are not all together, for one, and there aren't all that many of them for two. Capturing any of the four would be a great victory, no question, but we don't have the manpower at the present time to accomplish such feats, at least, not without some help."

Cryhavoc

2002-12-12, 04:38 PM

Snapdragon looked at Thunderwing somewhat puzzled.

"Couldn't we just build him a one instead of stealing?" He suggested, partially waiting for Thunderwing to lash at his stupid idea.

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 04:43 PM

Thunderwing nodded appreciatively at the bounty hunter's estimation.

"Taken under advisement."

He turned to Snapdragon.

"More plausible. Two questions: who among us has the technical expertise to build such a device and- will Scorponok be able to incorporate it as easily as an already made and tested one, such as from Fortress Maximus?"

Cryhavoc

2002-12-12, 04:48 PM

Snapdragon turned angrily away from Thunderwing, his optics gazing at the horizon. "I don't know. Why don't we have any technicians anyways?"

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 04:56 PM

Judge Delibarata spoke up.

"Why not simply kidnap one of the Autobot scientists?"

Thunderwing thought.

"Perceptor, Wheeljack, Grapple, Hoist...any of those would be appropriate. A strike force would need to be assembled. Top Dollar would lead it, since he has, shall we say, experience in this department."

He turned once again to the bounty hunter.

"If this is the overall opinion...assemble a team to kidnap any of the Autobot scientists to have them construct a city-sized Transformation cog."

Redstreak

2002-12-12, 05:08 PM

Top Dollar smirked. "My pleasure," he said. "I think air support is all we'd need; Thundercracker, Skywarp, and whoever else. Nothing fancy, just get in, get the guy, and get out."

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 05:22 PM

Thunderwing nodded.

"Very good. Thundercracker, Skywar-" when suddenly a cry from Dirge cut him off.

The blue Seeker had climbed on top of Scorponok and just begun prying off loose metal when he had spotted some vehicles in the distance. Putting his optical sensors on maximum magnification he saw...

Dirge nodded, transformed to jet mode and took a position next to Skywarp and Snapdragon.

"Let's teach them a lesson in fear!"

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-12, 11:02 PM

"How would you do that exactly!!?" Skywarp allowed a final dig at Dirge before diving suddenly, assaulting the area around the autobots....

***************

Springer carried on towards Thunderwing, his crew behind him, he'd forgotten about them, his aim was clear, he was going to take out the tyrant that cockily made his way forward.

***************

Sixshot remained steadfast, he intended to ensure that no-one got close enough to Scorponok to cause any major damage.

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 11:15 PM

Dirge laughed merrily as he copied Skywarp's dive at the Autobots, unleashing a carefully orchestrated hail of missle fire.

****

Thunderwing stopped as Springer approached.

"You can still call off your troops, Autobot, and I'll certainly call off mine. I think one of your number is a bit more trigger happy than necessary," he waved a hand toward Alpha.

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-12, 11:23 PM

"I'm sure he's old enough to look after himself now..." Springer withdrew his sword

"...C'mon."

Sixswitch

2002-12-12, 11:25 PM

Sixswitch used the agility afforded by his highly mobile scout car form to avoid most of the incoming fire. However, a missile from Dirge slammed into the ground next to him, sending him into a spin. Controlling the skid, he saw a wall looming ahead of him, but pulled sharply to the side, shooting up a fallen girder, which functioned as a ramp for his take off as he transformed into fighter mode and shot up into the sky, hopefully taking the Seekers by surprise.

"I'll try and do something about the air support," he told Springer as he dove towards the blue Conehead seeker, launching two missiles from his short ranged launchers as he streaked towards him.

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 11:29 PM

Thunderwing cracked his knuckles.

"So be it. Have at you!" The Decepticon Pretender charged (replacing his Cyclone Gun in subspace) at the Wrecker Triple Changer.

****

Dirge yelped as one missle exploded directly behind his engine wash, causing him to spin slightly.

For a moment, he felt like panicking. Then he realized another missle was behind him.

Thinking quickly, Dirge angled back and dropped a missle directly in front of Sixswitch's causing them both to detonate in a spectacular explosion.

Finally, the blue jet noticed that it was Sixswitch tailing him.

"Another Six Changer? You're not Quick Switch!" Dirge tried to angle up for another missle run...

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-12, 11:34 PM

Springer replaced the sword, he wanted a fair fight, he locked arms with Thunderwing and stared into his cold face...

"You're really ugly, y'know that...."

Redstreak

2002-12-12, 11:41 PM

Redstreak hadn't anticipated the sudden jerk of movement, so his shield was lost. He swerved against a few shots from both Skywarp and Dirge. He spun back, transformed, and started firing back at Skywarp as he swooped past. "C'mon, baby, get in range for me..." he muttered, and made a quick check of the others before re-training his weapon on the teleporting-able seeker.

**********

Top Dollar watched the Wreckers' first set of movements, and stayed near the back, gathering info. He was a killer, not a warrior, and facing a group as feared as the Wreckers in battle was not something he relished.

Quick Switch

2002-12-12, 11:43 PM

Thunderwing grappled with Springer, matching the Autobot's force, but no more. He'd goad Springer, to see how far he could ratchet up his rage...and then knock him down a peg.

"And you're a fool," Thunderwing laughed, "there will be no one to save you. Optimus Prime or your dear Hot Rod won't be here to haul your green carcass back to Iacon..."

StoneCold Skywarp

2002-12-12, 11:46 PM

Springer realised that Thunderwing wasn't particularly struggling...

"Who needs them anyways..."

Springer broke grip with one hand and threw his fist towards Thunderwing's mid-riff